For Cops, By Cops: New York State Troopers Marine Corps Association

Editor’s Note:

Editor's Note: In our "For Cops, By Cops" series of articles, PoliceOne shares conversations we've had with people in the law enforcement community who — on top of keeping their communities safe — have started a business or job that aims to benefit other police officers. Below, we interviewed NY State Trooper Ed Arias, whose nonprofit organization helps the families of state troopers who also serve in the Marines.

The New York State Troopers Marine Corps Association is a non-profit fraternal organization, composed of State Troopers who share the bond of service to the Marine Corps in the spirit of "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

What is your mission? We want to bring together the knowledge and experiences of Marines past and present, young and old and to benefit when necessary military members and their families employed as New York State Troopers. We act as an extended family to our fellow service members and to answer the call to provide comfort and assistance to families in need while military family members are in harm’s way.

Where did the idea come from? The idea came from the old saying "Once a Marine, always a Marine." The organization is also in memory of New York State Trooper/USMC Capt John J. McKenna IV, who was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, August 16, 2006.

How do you help officers? We give New York State Troopers with a military background an opportunity to stay connected with fellow service members, an opportunity to volunteer time to the community, and offer them the peace of mind that their family members will be taken care of if a tragedy occurs. We provide care packages for military members forward deployed and to provide emotional and economic support to military members and their families wherever and whenever possible.

How does your experience as an officer contribute? As a police officer, you have many life experiences some are pleasant, some are not. At the end of the day, those experiences make you realize that we go above and beyond for our community, but sometimes we forget about our fellow brothers and sisters until a tragedy occurs. That's when I decided to start an association that it was created by Marines, and welcomes with open arms to anyone who supports law enforcement and our veterans.

What are some of your fundraising techniques? On June 7, 2012 the NYS Troopers Marine Corps Association is having their inaugural fundraiser in Garden City. Proceeds from the event will benefit the NYS Troopers Marine Corps Association Benefit Fund, which unlike many organizations, does not spend money from donations on overhead and administrative costs such as salaries or marketing fees. Instead, all donations will go directly to the cause of helping military members and police officers in times of crisis.

About how many members do you have? We have more than 50 members at this time.

How do you ensure you raise enough money? We are fortunate to have the support of our wonderful community. Donations can be made out to NYST MCA, Inc. and mailed to NYST MCA, Inc, P.O. BOX 1348, Baldwin, NY 11510.

What's next for your organization? Our vision is to raise enough funds to start a scholarship for children of police officers killed in the line of duty. We’ll continue to celebrate and foster the spirit of respect, loyalty and dedication to the principles of law and the mission and ideals of the State Police and the Marine Corps.

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